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Starlink to Lower Satellite Orbits in 2026 to Improve Space Safety

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Starlink plans to begin reconfiguring its satellite constellation in 2026 by lowering all spacecraft currently orbiting at around 550 kilometres to approximately 480 kilometres, according to Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink engineering at SpaceX.

Nicolls said the move is aimed at enhancing space safety by operating satellites at lower altitudes, where the overall congestion of objects is significantly reduced. In a post on X, he said that condensing Starlink’s orbits would lower the aggregate risk of collisions, as there are fewer debris objects and planned satellite constellations below the 500-kilometre threshold.

The announcement follows an incident disclosed by Starlink in December, when one of its satellites experienced an anomaly in orbit. The spacecraft, operating at an altitude of about 418 kilometres, lost communications and generated a small amount of debris after what appeared to be an onboard explosion. The satellite rapidly dropped around four kilometres in altitude, marking a rare kinetic accident for the satellite internet provider.

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Starlink said the incident involved just one satellite out of nearly 10,000 currently in orbit as part of its global broadband network. While the amount of debris was described as limited, the event highlighted growing concerns over orbital safety as low Earth orbit becomes increasingly crowded.

The number of spacecraft circling Earth has surged in recent years as companies and governments race to deploy large satellite constellations for broadband internet, communications and Earth observation services. Once primarily known for its rocket launch business, SpaceX has become the world’s largest satellite operator through Starlink, delivering internet connectivity to consumers, governments and enterprise customers worldwide.

By lowering its satellites’ operating altitude, Starlink aims to reduce long-term debris risks and ensure that any non-functioning spacecraft naturally deorbit more quickly, contributing to safer and more sustainable use of Earth’s orbital environment.

Tesla Roadster Confused for Near-Earth Asteroid in Space Tracking Error

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Tesla Roadster Mistaken for Near-Earth Asteroid in Tracking Mix-Up

A recently identified near-Earth object initially classified as an asteroid has been revealed to be none other than Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster, launched into space in 2018 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The object was mistakenly listed as a new near-Earth asteroid by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center (MPC) on January 2. However, within hours, the classification was withdrawn after further analysis. The mistake, made by an amateur astronomer in Turkey using publicly available tracking data, highlights the growing challenges of distinguishing between natural celestial bodies and artificial space debris.

How the Misclassification Happened

According to Astronomy.com, the object was temporarily designated as 2018 CN41 in the MPC’s database. The classification relied on past orbital tracking data, but upon closer examination, it became clear that the object was not an asteroid. Within 17 hours, the MPC rescinded the classification. The amateur astronomer who made the initial report quickly acknowledged the error, demonstrating the importance of thorough verification in astronomical observations.

The Roadster’s Unusual Journey

The Tesla Roadster was launched on February 6, 2018, as a test payload for the inaugural flight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy. Seated behind the wheel was “Starman,” a mannequin dressed in a SpaceX spacesuit. While the vehicle was initially intended to enter a stable orbit around Mars, it instead settled into a heliocentric trajectory, periodically passing near Earth and Mars. Over time, its orbit continues to evolve, and its visibility to astronomers varies depending on its position relative to Earth.

Challenges in Space Object Identification

This misclassification underscores the difficulties in tracking artificial objects in space, especially as more satellites and debris accumulate in Earth’s vicinity. With thousands of objects, both natural and human-made, orbiting the Sun, astronomers rely on precise tracking systems to differentiate between asteroids, comets, and space debris. As space exploration and commercial space activities continue to expand, improved monitoring and classification methods will be essential to avoid similar identification errors in the future.

Japan and India Startups Collaborate on Laser-Equipped Satellite for Space Debris Removal

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Startups from Japan and India have announced a partnership to explore the potential of using laser-equipped satellites to address the growing problem of space debris. The collaboration, revealed on Tuesday, involves Orbital Lasers, a Tokyo-based company, and InspeCity, an Indian robotics firm. Their goal is to develop innovative in-space services, including the de-orbiting of defunct satellites and extending the operational lifespan of spacecraft.

Innovative Approach to Space Debris

Orbital Lasers, spun off from the Japanese satellite company SKY Perfect JSAT earlier this year, is working on a technology that uses laser energy to neutralize space junk. The system will vaporize small sections of debris’ surfaces, causing it to stop rotating and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to capture and de-orbit it. The companies aim to test this system in space and make it available for operators after 2027, according to Aditya Baraskar, the global business lead at Orbital Lasers. If regulatory approvals are granted in both India and Japan, the laser system could be mounted on InspeCity’s satellites.

Business Potential and Strategic Collaboration

The partnership was formalized with a preliminary agreement, marking the start of a feasibility study into the commercial potential of these space debris mitigation technologies. InspeCity, founded in 2022, secured $1.5 million in funding last year, while Orbital Lasers has raised 900 million yen (approximately $5.8 million) since its inception in January.

Growing Space Traffic and the Need for Action

The initiative comes as orbital congestion becomes an urgent issue. A United Nations panel on space traffic management highlighted the growing need to track and manage objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) due to the rising number of satellites and space debris. With over 100 companies already involved in space servicing, including satellite constellations and debris mitigation, the market is rapidly expanding. Nobu Okada, CEO of Astroscale, a Japanese leader in debris mitigation, emphasized the necessity of addressing this challenge to ensure the sustainability of space activities.

Expanding India-Japan Space Collaboration

This project represents another milestone in the ongoing India-Japan space collaboration. Both countries are working together on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, with a possible launch by 2026. Additionally, Skyroot, an Indian rocket manufacturer, and HEX20, a satellite builder, are collaborating with ispace, a Japanese lunar exploration company, on a lunar orbiter mission.

Strengthening Commercial Ties

The growing commercial ties between Japan and India also reflect efforts to expand space cooperation beyond traditional areas. Masayasu Ishida, CEO of SPACETIDE, a Tokyo-based nonprofit hosting space business conferences, explained that the two countries’ collaborations, such as using Japanese satellite data for India’s disaster management and agriculture, have the potential to broaden into other sectors, including manufacturing. This is in line with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which promotes local production and manufacturing.